First Steps to Netviz Nirvana: Evaluating Social Network Analysis with NodeXL

—Social Network Analysis (SNA) has evolved as a popular, standard method for modeling meaningful, often hidden structural relationships in communities. Existing SNA tools often involve extensive pre-processing or intensive programming skills that can challenge practitioners and students alike. NodeXL, an open-source template for Microsoft Excel, integrates a library of common network metrics and graph layout algorithms within the familiar spreadsheet format, offering a potentially low-barrierto-entry framework for teaching and learning SNA. We present the preliminary findings of 2 user studies of 21 graduate students who engaged in SNA using NodeXL. The majority of students, while information professionals, had little technical background or experience with SNA techniques. Six of the participants had more technical backgrounds and were chosen specifically for their experience with graph drawing and information visualization. Our primary objectives were (1) to evaluate NodeXL as an ...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2009
• Where: CSE
• Authors: Elizabeth M. Bonsignore, Cody Dunne, Dana Rotman, Marc Smith, Tony Capone, Derek L. Hansen, Ben Shneiderman
• Keywords: Computer Science And Engineering, CSE 2009, Hidden Structural Relationships, SNA Techniques, Sna Tool